What is THINC30?

In Pittsburgh, Covestro LLC’s U.S. headquarters, the company’s signature social innovation initiative to drive community-wide sustainability is THINC30. THINC stands for Transforming, Harnessing, Innovating, Navigating and Collaborating for a Purpose-Driven, Sustainable Future by 2030. Launched in 2017, THINC30 are annual summits that bring the 17 global United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to local Pittsburgh business, government, academic and nonprofit leaders – and engaged citizens – so they may use them to advance the region’s growth and prosperity in a responsible, sustainable way.

"THINC30 is really just a starting point. It’s a daylong conversation to get us all thinking about how we can take these big, lofty [U.N. Sustainable Development] goals and put them into action right here in our region."

Rebecca Lucore, head of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, Covestro LLC

A call to action

Introduce the 17 U.N. SDGs to the wider Pittsburgh region, particularly business and industry, and showcase how they can be advanced by leveraging the growing need for purpose among individuals, organizations and businesses.

Explore how business and industry are responding to employees’ desire for more purpose in their work and lives to improve their communities and society at large.

Showcase the Pittsburgh region as a national purpose leader with leading edge ideas, solutions and strategies for companies and communities interested in formally embedding innovation, sustainable business development, corporate social responsibility and community building into their missions.

Issue a call to action to business and industry to cultivate their purpose – and that of their employees’ or citizen philanthropists – to accelerate sustainable business development, public-private partnerships and social innovation around the 17 United National Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to spotlighting regional best practice programs and featuring sustainability and CSR business executives, philanthropic leaders, and social entrepreneurs, the summit also convenes national and international thought leaders as keynote speakers, featured panelists and interviewees to provide aspiration, inspiration and motivation.

What’s ahead for 2019?

This year, we’re shaking things up – THINC30-wise.

Over the last two years, Pittsburgh’s business, civic and community leaders have joined us at our THINC30 summits to learn how they may help advance the 17 global UN Sustainable Development Goals here locally and create a thriving, robust region for everyone.

Last year, alone, more than 500 registered to learn more about tackling some of our most pressing sustainability issues, such as the school-to-prison pipeline, air quality and the environment, generational poverty, and neighborhood gentrification and displacement, among others.

One thing made obvious from these past summits is the real need for more in-depth, focused discussion around certain issues. So, in 2019, we’ll be hosting three smaller summits – events we’re calling THINC30 Tanks.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019
THINC30 TANK #2: “Youthquake 2030: Gen Z and the UN SDGs” As the UN SDGs take root in Pittsburgh, how will the next generation continue the work?

Wednesday, November 13, 2019
THINC30 TANK #3: “Future Cities”When building the sustainable city of tomorrow, what factors should we consider?

Why Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is experiencing its third renaissance, having successfully transformed its old industrial economy into one that is diversified and sustainable. Yet, not everyone is benefiting from the transformation and there is still much work to be done to ensure the city continues forward on its sustainability path.

While global, the UN SDGs provide a guide for identifying and tracking local issues ranging from water and air quality to race and gender equity to poverty and economic opportunity.

With a focus on business and industry, THINC30 gathers a diverse cross-section of local leadership to stimulate conversation and new partnerships with organizations that have never had the opportunity to interact before. All of this with the goal of ensuring all Pittsburghers are included in the region’s continuing prosperity.

At THINC30 difficult conversations have transpired. Issues for action identified. Partnerships strengthened and new ones formed. Citizen philanthropy in support of the goals has increased. THINC30 continues to assist Pittsburgh in reaching its goal of becoming a truly sustainable and inclusive city for all its residents.

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